Video: Hudson High School's Own 'American Idol,' Caleb Hawley, Makes Twin Cities Appearance

On Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis, a packed room greeted 's own, Caleb Hawley.

"I grew up in the Twin Cities area, which is why I'm back here," Hawley said. "I try to come back three to four times a year and play."

He began his hour and a half long set with a cover of the Ray Charles song, Hallelujah I Love Her So.

It's the same song he performed at the American Idol auditions in front of Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson.

That day, he wowed the three judges and earned a trip to Hollywood.

As of Feb. 12, he wasn't allowed to talk about what happened during the Hollywood round of American Idol, but that wasn't his focus Saturday at the Aster Cafe. 

Instead, he wanted to entertain the crowd with a mixture of folk-induced rock 'n' roll (his words).

"I'm gonna be doing some covers and put my twist on a lot of stuff and switching it up," Hawley said before the show.

He didn't disappoint during this first Twin Cities show since his appearance on American Idol.

"I've known Caleb for quite a few years, and he's one of the best musicians I've ever known," said Kevin Nelson of Hudson, who was in the crowd to enjoy the show.

Hawley calls New York home now, but even he'll admit that he has the most ties to Hudson.

"I'm glad to have gone to high school in Hudson," Hawley said. "It was a great place. Very supportive town. So thanks guys."

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